Massive devastation as Israel-Hamas clashes reach 100th day

New Delhi, Jan 15: As the Israel-Hamas conflict hits its 100th day, the toll is a grim testament to the enduring nature of one of the region's most intractable disputes. With an estimated 25,000 dead, including 23,000 Palestinians, 1,200 Israeli civilians, and 150 Israeli soldiers, the conflict shows no signs of abating. The humanitarian crisis is deepening, and geopolitical tensions are escalating.

The conflict, which initially caught Israeli defences off guard with a massive incursion by Hamas fighters, has seen unprecedented violence and devastation. The Nova festival tragedy, where over 360 young people were killed, has become a poignant symbol of the conflict's brutality. The Israeli military's response, a relentless bombing campaign in Gaza, aimed at dismantling Hamas, has led to the near-total destruction of infrastructure and a staggering civilian death toll.

The Israeli military's response, aimed at dismantling Hamas' infrastructure, has led to widespread destruction in Gaza, from Gaza City to Khan Younis. Despite claims of weakening Hamas, the civilian death toll and displacement rates are alarming. In Gaza, the situation is dire. With no functional medical facility available or schools, and a population largely dependent on aid for survival, the humanitarian crisis is acute. The displacement of 85% of Gaza's population has created a refugee crisis with far-reaching implications.

The broader regional impact is also significant. The involvement of Houthi militants in attacks on cargo ships in the Red Sea has brought the U.S. and UK into direct military action in Yemen, while Hezbollah and Syrian militants have further complicated the security landscape. This escalation has raised concerns about a wider regional conflict.

International condemnation of Israel has grown, particularly over the high civilian casualties and destruction of civilian properties. Accusations of genocide and calls for a ceasefire at the UN have been met with resistance, primarily due to U.S. vetoes.

Even the U.S., a staunch Israeli ally, has expressed concern over the indiscriminate bombing and the rising civilian death toll. The U.S. officials who visited the Middle East and Israel more than a dozen times including their State and Home Secretary, have consistently vetoed UN resolutions calling for a ceasefire, citing Israel's right to self-defence. This stance has led to strained relations and criticisms of U.S. policy in the region.

The historical context of the Israel-Hamas conflict is critical to understanding its complexity. Rooted in long-standing territorial, religious, and political disputes, the conflict has been marked by cycles of violence and failed peace efforts. The current escalation is part of a larger pattern of intermittent but intense clashes, each leaving deep scars and further diminishing hopes for a lasting resolution.

As Israeli forces continue their operations and Hamas vows to fight on, the path to peace seems increasingly elusive and any hope for a swift resolution fades. The humanitarian situation, especially in Gaza, is dreadful, with thousands living in appalling conditions and dependent on international aid.

The international community faces the challenge of not only addressing the immediate humanitarian needs but also finding a sustainable solution to a conflict that has spanned a century and shows no signs of ending.